World Turtle Day, May 23, 2014 An Animal Rights Article from All-Creatures.org

FROM

Experts predict the complete disappearance of one of the world’s oldest
creatures within the next 50 years. They recommend that adults and children
do a few small things that can help to save turtles and tortoises for the
next generation.

American Tortoise Rescue (ATR), a nonprofit
organization established in 1990 for the protection of all species of
tortoise and turtle, is sponsoring its 13th annual World Turtle Day on May
23rd.

The day was created as an annual observance to help people celebrate
and protect turtles and tortoises and their disappearing habitats around the
world. Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson, founders of ATR, advocate humane
treatment of all animals, including reptiles.

Since 1990, ATR has placed
about 3,000 tortoises and turtles in caring homes. ATR assists law
enforcement when undersize or endangered turtles are confiscated and
provides helpful information and referrals to persons with sick, neglected
or abandoned turtles.

“World Turtle Day was started 13 years ago to increase respect and knowledge
for the world’s oldest creatures. These gentle animals have been around for
about 200 million years, yet they are rapidly disappearing as a result of
the exotic food industry, habitat destruction, global warming and the cruel
pet trade,” says Tellem. “We are seeing smaller turtles coming into the
rescue meaning that older adults are disappearing from the wild thanks to
the pet trade, and the breeding stock is drastically reduced. It is a very
sad time for turtles and tortoises of the world.” (See
slideshow here.)

Myrtle...eating her "pineapple surprise"

Tellem says, “We have heard from organizations throughout the world that are
also hosting World Turtle Day, including India, Australia and many other
countries.”

Bunkle and his girlfriend take in the sun...

Tellem and Thompson note that experts predict the complete disappearance of
one of the world’s oldest creatures within the next 50 years. They recommend
that adults and children do a few small things that can help to save turtles
and tortoises for the next generation:

Never buy a turtle or tortoise from a pet shop as it increases demand from
the wild.

Never remove turtles or tortoises from the wild unless they are sick or
injured.

If a tortoise is crossing a busy street, pick it up and send it in the
same direction it was going – if you try to make it go back, it will turn
right around again.

Write letters to legislators asking them to keep sensitive habitat
preserved or closed to off road vehicles, and to prevent off shore drilling
that can lead to more endangered sea turtle deaths.

Report cruelty or illegal sales of turtles and tortoises to your local
animal control shelter.

Report the sale of any turtle or tortoise of any kind less than four
inches. This is illegal throughout the U.S.

“Our ultimate goal is to stop the illegal trade in turtles and tortoises
around the world. Our first priority here in the U.S. is to stop pet stores
and reptile shows from selling illegal hatchling tortoises and turtles,”
says Thompson. “We also need to educate people who are unfamiliar with their
proper care about the real risk of contracting salmonella from turtles.
Schools and county fairs are no place for turtles. Wash your hands
thoroughly every time you touch a turtle or its water, and do not bring
turtles into homes where children are under the age of 12.”

For answers to questions and other information visit American Tortoise
Rescue online at www.tortoise.com or send e-mail to info@tortoise.com; on
Twitter @tortoiserescue; “Like” American Tortoise Rescue at
www.Facebook.com/AmericanTortoiseRescue; and join World Turtle Day on
www.Facebook.com/WorldTurtleDay.

Suggested Tweet:
#DidYouKnow World Turtle Day is May 23rd? @TortoiseRescue
#turtle #tortoise

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